Tips:
The related noun genius refers to someone who is extremely intelligent. Ingenious describes someone or something with that quality, but also denotes clever, inventive, and effective thinking beyond intelligence. Note: often the prefix "in-" is negative and means "not" (e.g. invalid = not valid). However, there are also instances like here, where "in-" is actually part of the original root word and denotes a stronger meaning. Someone who is ingenious has something more than just genius. Ingenuity is a related noun and refers to the trait of being ingenious.

Usage Examples:

Faced with a budget crisis, the Mayor came up with an ingenious proposal to save the city millions of dollars. (brilliant, clever)

The book was ingenious, with a clever, intricate plot and a surprise ending I never saw coming. (clever, imaginative)

He is an ingenious negotiator and always gets what he asks for. (skilled, adept, talented)

Robert is an ingenious artist and always creates the most whimsical artwork from interesting materials. (gifted, imaginative, brilliant)

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